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Best Family Hikes In Minnesota

Hiking is a great way to get the family outdoors, breathing in fresh air, engaging in physical activity and experiencing the beauty of nature. Lucky for us, Minnesota has many well-maintained and scenic locations for a family hike. No matter the level of difficulty or what type of landscape you're looking for, our list of five favorites cover a little bit of everything. C'mon Minnesotans, grab the family and enjoy the outdoors!

St. Croix Scenic Byway, Taylors Falls
(credit: Paul Stafford/Explore Minnesota)

Great River Bluffs State Park
County Road 3 at Highway 61 & I-90
Winona, MN 55987
(507) 643-6849
www.dnr.state.mn.us

For a fairly easy family hike along the quiet bluffs of the Mississippi River Valley, head to Great River Bluffs State Park just southeast of Winona. The park has over six miles of hiking trails, including the self-guided King's Bluff Nature Trail which is just over one mile long. Bring your binoculars to spot eagles, hawks, wild turkeys, coyotes, grouse and a variety of songbirds along the beautiful river valley and rugged bluffs that climb 500 feet high. You may even come across wild blackberries, so bring a small container for kids to pick themselves a snack.

Superior Hiking Trail
Superior Hiking Trail Office & Store
731 Seventh Ave.
Two Harbors, MN 55616
(218) 834-2700
www.shta.org

Hiking all 300 miles of Superior Hiking Trail would be an ambitious trek for any family, but the good news is that this scenic trail can be picked up at many spots along Lake Superior including Jay Cooke State Park, Duluth, Two Harbors and Grand Marais. Trailhead parking lots are located every few miles so one or many different hikes can be completed in a day. There is plenty of signage to help you navigate the trails but keep in mind that not all trails loop and you may end your hike in a different parking lot. Bring your four-legged family members along on the hike too - leashed dogs are allowed on the trails.

St. Croix Scenic Byway, Taylors Falls
(credit: Paul Stafford/Explore Minnesota)

Interstate State Park
Highway 8 & I-95
Taylors Falls, MN 55084
(651) 465-5711
www.dnr.state.mn.us

The Interstate State Park takes hikers along the beautiful St. Croix River with four miles of trails. A must-see are the glacial potholes, exposed lava flows and old faults that make this a geologically significant area of Minnesota. Hikers can also wave to the passing excursion boats, kayakers and canoers that make the St. Croix River Valley so popular in the summer. In the fall, the spectacular seasonal colors of this area are hard to beat.

Related:  Best Cheap Activities To Do With Kids In Minnesota

Judge C.R. Magney State Park
4051 E. Highway 61
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-3039
www.dnr.state.mn.us

Named after a judge who helped establish 11 state parks along the North Shore, the Judge C.R. Magney State Park is home to the 50-foot waterfall rumored to have no bottom known as Devil's Kettle. The trail in this park is slightly more difficult due to hundreds of steps leading down to the falls that run along the Brule River. But the jaunt is definitely worth it and sitting along the volcanic rock as the waters rush past is exhilarating. The round-trip hike to Devil's Kettle is just over two miles.

St. Croix Scenic Byway, Taylors Falls
(credit: Paul Stafford/Explore Minnesota)

Fort Snelling State Park
101 Snelling Lake Road
St. Paul, MN 55111
(612) 279-3550
www.dnr.state.mn.us 

For a nice hike in the metro area, head to Fort Snelling State Park located off of State Highway 5 just across from the main terminal exit for the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport. Not only will you get a nice glimpse of airplanes flying overhead, but you may spot bald eagles, beavers and other wildlife. While here, be sure to hike up to historic Fort Snelling for a fascinating look at Minnesota history, as well as gorgeous views of the river valley. The 18 miles of hiking trails also take you to Pike Island, where the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers meet.

Related: Best Railroad Experiences In Minnesota In Minnesota

Cortney Mohnk is a freelance writer covering all things Minnesota. She is also a public relations and event planning professional. Her most important job is mother to her young daughter, who is her partner-in-crime when checking out the family entertainment scene in the Twin Cities. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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